My mom thinks I'm the best writer on the planet, so while I value her praise, her words don't make me grow as a writer. I love it when my writing mentor or crit partners say *they* experienced the same emotions as my characters.

Jody, I'm sure she will! And this particular book has some sad spots, but not all of mine do that. I can't wait to read it too!

Lisa, I agree! LOL I know I could be horrible and my mom would still ask to read more (even if she didn't want to, heehee). I also agree that other writers' feedback is particularly useful because I think writers are some of the pickiest readers out there (myself included!)

So far, I've only let my critique group read my manuscript. I want it to be as good as good can be before I pass it along to my family. It sounds kind of backwards, but I want them to see me shine from page one:)

Yay, Jessica! Congrats. That's exactly what happened to me too. Actually, I gave the book to my sister since she's the first person I let read ALL my books, but she gave it to my mom without telling me. So, my mom calls me up and says it made her cry. Best compliment ever. I know how you feel.

How wonderful that your story moved your mother to tears, Jessie. I love it when writers make me feel so connected to their characters that I share in their joys and sorrows. Sounds like you're one of them. Can't wait until the day I can grab your books off the shelf.

I recently let my future roommate read 2 chapters of my book. She talked about a character, saying she didn't trust him but she didn't know why. Knowing his coming role in the plot, I know he's shifty, but seeing my foreshadowing actually work was incredible.

I've let my parents read my work and they're usually encouraging which makes me smile. But nothing makes me happier than when I share something I've written with friends and they say "WOW" or "that's really good/deep/life-changing/etc" Then I know I've hit the nail on the head. I'm blessed to have friends who are not afraid to tell me what they think and if something isn't top-notch, I will know :P That's not to say my parents aren't that way, but somehow it is different...

I love the comments when they see the good comparisons I draw between my character and a famous literary one (The Scarlet Letter is a huge role in my book, hence why the title is similar). I haven't gotten to the emotional parts yet, so I've yet to see if I make anyone cry. I doubt it will come from my crit group or my sister--they don't cry very easily!

Dara, good point about crying. My mom is actually a sniffler so I'm not convinced that my story is some great tear jerker. LOL I forgot about your story being close to the Scarlet Letter. I heard someone just pubbed a sequel to SL.

I remember the grin I wore when my mom called to say she enjoyed my first book. :)

I have a couple of crit partners who read my work, and one 'first reader' who sees it before I send it along for crits.

The funniest response so far to my work is a friend who is a college professor read my debut novel, told me she liked it, then asked if I wanted her to point out where I started sentences with a conjunction. LOL

I told her thank you, but no. Occasionally it is okay in fiction to start a sentence with And or But. :)

Elana!!! NO family at all? Tsk, tsk. I understand the bleeding part though. It's really hard for me to let people read my work until I've gotten to know them. I do it, but it makes my palms clammy.

Hey Karen, thank you for your sweet comment. :-) This particular story is a little sad but I'm not sure my other ones would make anyone cry either, so no worries. How's it coming along, btw? (the mermaid one)

Every chapter in Roaring Lions was read (or heard) by people before it hit the book. Some of the material was in the blog, some taught in a class, some used in other articles. Chapters I had questions about I specifically asked my wife to read b/c I know she would be honest about whether they should be included in the book. Several got culled that way.

Hey Jessica,I've been doing some catch-up reading, but have to stop here to comment. My best-est, most favorite thing that anyone ever said to me after reading my manuscript was when Brian read Finding Joy. He looked at me and said with enthusiasm, "Karen, a GUY could get something out of this!"Oh, that made me so happy!Also loved it when I 'caught' him laughing as he read - and it was at the right part, too. *grin*

My heart is filled with romantic stories, my shelves are loaded with chocolate and I'm always longing for one more cup of Starbucks. Besides that, I write for Love Inspired Historical and am a happy mom to a bunch of little boys. I post on Wednesdays and love connecting with readers and writers.